Optimal Settings for Frequency-Selective Measurements Used for the Exposure Assessment Around UMTS Base Stations

To estimate the exposure around a base station, the frequency-selective electromagnetic field measurement with a spectrum analyzer and antenna is the most appropriate method. In this paper, a theoretical model for the wideband code division multiaccess signal, which is measured by a spectrum analyzer, is extended to the measurement of the signal used in the universal mobile telecommunications system (UMTS), where the transmitted signal is subject to power control. The developed model is successfully validated by measurements. It is shown that the presence of power control has important implications on the achievable accuracy of the measurements. Based on the developed model, the optimal settings of the spectrum analyzer are proposed for the exposure assessment around UMTS base stations.